If you’re someone who loves the cozy warmth of fall baked goods but doesn’t want to settle for the usual flavors, you absolutely must try these delightful Apple Butter Sugar Cookies. Bursting with a tender crumb and enriched by the subtle, fragrant sweetness of Musselman’s Apple Butter, these cookies offer a perfect balance of spice and sugar that will have you reaching for one after another. Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just savoring on your own whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet come together to create a cookie with incredible depth of flavor, texture, and richness. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Apple Butter Sugar Cookies, whether it’s the creamy butter for tenderness or the almond extract for that subtle hint of warmth.

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks): Provides a tender, rich base that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
¼ cup Musselman’s Apple Butter: Adds moist apple sweetness and a beautiful natural flavor twist that defines this cookie.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a light, crumbly texture.
2 large eggs: Give structure and moisture, binding all ingredients perfectly.
3 large egg yolks: Add extra richness for a soft and luscious crumb.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses classic warmth and aroma.
¾ teaspoon almond extract: Lends a subtle, nutty backbone that complements the apple butter beautifully.
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, creating the perfect chew and shape.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps lighten the dough for a delicate rise.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a silky, sweet finish that snuggles the cookies perfectly.
¼ cup Musselman’s Apple Butter (for frosting): Ties the frosting flavor to the cookie base, making each bite harmonious.
2 Tablespoons melted butter (for frosting): Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Builds complexity for the sweet glaze.
2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream (for frosting): Makes the frosting luxuriously creamy and easy to spread.

How to Make Apple Butter Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Apple Butter, and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter, Musselman’s Apple Butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This takes a few minutes but it’s absolutely crucial for achieving the incredibly tender texture and subtle apple flavor everyone will love.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, incorporate the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamy mixture. These enrich the dough with moisture and a lovely aromatic note that complements the apple butter wonderfully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, so every cookie has consistent flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it light and careful to maintain that soft, tender crumb.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling step makes the dough easier to handle and intensifies the flavors.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking sheets. Using a cookie or ice cream scoop, portion the dough into about 2-tablespoon balls. Then, using a sugar-and-salt-coated glass bottom, press firmly into the center of each dough ball to create a lovely shape with the dough spilling slightly over the sides. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to brown, signaling perfect doneness.

Step 7: Make the Frosting and Decorate

While the cookies cool, whip together the frosting by combining powdered sugar, apple butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Once cooled, spread this luscious frosting generously over the cookies and add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles if you like a bit of extra fun and color.

How to Serve Apple Butter Sugar Cookies

Apple Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To make your Apple Butter Sugar Cookies even more eye-catching, try garnishing with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg before frosting. A scattering of finely chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs beautifully with the apple flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced cider, or even a creamy latte. They also make a lovely companion to simple vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Apple Butter Sugar Cookies on a rustic wooden board layered with autumn leaves or place them in a decorative basket lined with a cheerful kitchen towel. They also shine when stacked with parchment paper between layers, perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Butter Sugar Cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their freshness, place a slice of bread inside the container which helps keep them soft and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Frosted cookies also freeze well, just layer them gently with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Reheating

Warming your Apple Butter Sugar Cookies slightly in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds brings back the fresh-baked softness and intensifies the cozy apple aroma—perfect for enjoying as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple butter?

Absolutely! While Musselman’s Apple Butter is recommended for its balanced sweetness and flavor, any quality apple butter you enjoy will work beautifully and personalize the cookie’s taste.

Why is the almond extract added? Can I skip it?

The almond extract adds a subtle hint of nutty warmth that enhances the apple butter’s flavor without overpowering it. You can omit it if you prefer, but your cookies might lose a bit of their signature depth.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

To make Apple Butter Sugar Cookies gluten-free, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a blend designed for baking. Make sure to include xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t have it to help mimic the texture of traditional flour.

What’s the best way to get perfectly soft cookies?

Chilling the dough before baking and not overmixing the batter are your secret weapons. Also, be careful not to overbake; remove the cookies when edges just start to turn golden.

How long will the frosting stay fresh?

The frosting is best eaten within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it thickens, you can gently stir in a tiny splash of cream or milk before spreading.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Apple Butter Sugar Cookies—whether it’s the tender texture, the comforting apple warmth, or the creamy frosting that seals the deal. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, share a batch with someone you love, and enjoy every single delicious bite. Once you try them, these cookies will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation, guaranteed!

Apple Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: Approximately 24–30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the cozy flavors of autumn with these Apple Butter Sugar Cookies, featuring a rich blend of softened butter, apple butter, and a hint of almond extract. Perfectly soft and lightly spiced, these cookies are topped with a creamy apple butter frosting that adds a luscious finishing touch, making them a festive treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, apple butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, followed by the egg yolks, and then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated, adding depth of flavor to the dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up the dough and enhance the flavors.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a cookie or ice cream scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion the dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on a prepared baking sheet.
Shape Cookies: In a small dish, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with a pinch of salt. Dip the bottom of a glass into this mixture and press firmly into the center of each dough ball, allowing the dough to spread slightly and form a crisp edge for beautiful shape and texture.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookies and optionally sprinkle with festive sprinkles to add a fun and colorful touch.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
Chilling the dough helps with easier handling and better texture.
Pressing the dough balls with a sugar-coated glass adds a crisp edge and decorative touch.
Cookies must be completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American